 AThor DSV-2U carrying aDMSP weather satellite launches from SLC-10W in 1980. This was the last orbital launch from the complex. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Interactive map of Space Launch Complex 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Launch site | Vandenberg Space Force Base | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | 34°45′55″N120°37′20″W / 34.76528°N 120.62222°W /34.76528; -120.62222 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Time zone | UTC−08:00 (PST) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Summer (DST) | UTC−07:00 (PDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short name | SLC-10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operator | United States Space Force | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total launches | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Launch pad | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Orbital inclination range | 51° – 145° | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Space Launch Complex 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
   | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Location | Vandenberg Space Force Base,Lompoc, California | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 34°45′55″N120°37′20″W / 34.76528°N 120.62222°W /34.76528; -120.62222 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NRHP reference No. | 86003511[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Significant dates | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Added to NRHP | June 23, 1986 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated NHL | June 23, 1986[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Space Launch Complex 10 (SLC-10), orMissile Launch Complex 10,[1] is located onVandenberg Space Force Base inLompoc, California. It was built in 1958 to test ballistic missiles and developed into a space launching facility in 1963.[2] Prior to 1966,Space Launch Complex 10W (SLC-10W) was known as Vandenberg AFB Pad 75-2-6.[3] It remains a rare pristine look at the electronics and facilities created in that era that helped theUnited States grow its space capabilities.
The last launch from this complex was a Thor booster in 1980.[1] It was declared aNational Historic Landmark in 1986.[1]
It is undergoing an eight-year restoration, and public visits are possible, if arranged in advance.[4]
The launch complex was built in 1958 by theDouglas Aircraft Corporation, and was first designated Complex 75-2. At that time it consisted of three launch pads, which were used to train military operators ofPGM-17 Thor ballistic missiles, and to conduct missile launch tests. The first launches were conducted by the BritishRoyal Air Force in June and August 1959.[1] The facilities at SLC-10 were dismantled and transported toJohnston Island in support ofOperation Dominic, a nuclear weapons testing project conducted there in 1962.
The launch complex was rebuilt in 1963 to support the development ofBurner rockets, with two launch pads, designated SLC-10E and SLC-10W. Tests were conducted at SLC-10W from 1965 to 1980, using theThor satellite launch vehicles, the first stages of which followed the design of the Thor missile.
Two launch pads and a prefabricated launch blockhouse are the principal surviving elements of the complex. The blockhouse interior still includes all of the electrical equipment used in later launches. SLC-10W also includes pipes and storage facilities for storing and managing the liquid fuel used in the rockets.[5]
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